Jacksonville City Council Advances New Row House Project

News Summary

The Jacksonville City Council’s Land Use and Zoning Committee has approved a rezoning request for five new row-style houses, facing significant opposition from local residents. Concerns over parking and community impact have prompted debates about balancing development with local business needs. The council’s decision is a preliminary step, with final approval pending from the full City Council.

Jacksonville City Council Advances Rezoning Request for New Row Houses, Sparking Local Opposition

Jacksonville, Florida – The Jacksonville City Council’s Land Use and Zoning Committee has voted unanimously in favor of a rezoning request that would pave the way for the construction of five new row-style houses. This decision came on June 17, with the committee recommending approval for Ordinance 2024-0539, which seeks to change the zoning classification of a 0.23-acre lot situated directly across from the Stockton Street Town Center.

The proposed rezoning intends to convert the property from a Planned Unit Development (PUD) classification to a new PUD that allows for the erection of two-story homes. The project is spearheaded by John Gorrie Investments LLC, a company managed by Dolores Weaver and Wayne Weaver, who are notable for their previous ownership of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

However, the initiative has sparked significant opposition from local residents and business owners. Concerns have been raised regarding the absence of additional parking spaces in the development plan. Businesses believe that this lack of parking could obstruct customer access to the already bustling town center, potentially impacting their operations adversely.

Concerns Over Parking and Community Impact

Zack Burnett, the owner of Bold Bean Coffee Roasters, has voiced concerns that the new housing development would make it difficult for customers to access their businesses. Business owners in the vicinity argue that preserving the success of existing businesses should take precedence over building new single-family homes.

In response to these concerns, the committee approved an amendment that mandates developers to mitigate the effects of removing existing parking spaces. This includes managing construction in phases to ensure that some parking spots remain available during the development process.

Committee member Rory Diamond acknowledged the limited parking situation while suggesting that businesses should consider potential future growth and additional commercial development, which may result in increased parking demand in the area.

Community Opposition

The Land Use and Zoning Committee’s recommendation is just a preliminary step in the process. The full City Council will ultimately make the final decision on the rezoning request. The growing tension surrounding this proposal highlights the ongoing discussion about housing development, business sustainability, and community needs in Jacksonville.

Conclusion

The upcoming discussions at the City Council will be crucial in weighing the benefits of new residential properties against the needs of existing businesses and the concerns of local residents. As Jacksonville continues to evolve, the balance between development and community impact remains a central issue for all stakeholders involved.

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Additional Resources

• News4Jax: Jacksonville City Council Advances Rezoning Request
• Jacksonville Daily Record: City Council Rejects Costco Gas Station Rezoning
• First Coast News: Rezoning for New Townhomes in Southside Jacksonville
• JD News: Commissioners Approve Old 30 Road Rezoning
• THV11: Jacksonville North Pulaski School District New School Zones